Meet the Lab Team

Rachel Ziders, TS(ABB)

Senior Embryologist, Lab Supervisor

Rachel has been our Embryologist and Lab Supervisor since our practice opened in 2019. Rachel strives to create a more compassionate IVF experience for our patients which includes comprehensive patient education and transparent communication. She attended the University at Buffalo and obtained her BS in Biology and a BA in History. She has been an Embryologist since 2017. She has trained along side Dr. Tony Anderson in various advanced techniques and went on to obtain her Board Certification in Embryology in 2022. Among her other accomplishments, she has established an ongoing affiliation with the University at Buffalo in creating an Undergraduate Internship Program.

Rachel’s calling has always been Women’s Health. Prior to starting her career as an Embryologist, she worked in clinical care at Buffalo OBGYN for 7 years. During this time, she volunteered with a surgical a mission group and was privileged with the experience of helping underserved women by assisting in various OBGYN surgeries. Her passion for Women’s Health continues to grow as she helps families in their IVF journey.

Melissa Zaczek

Embryologist, B.A Biology

As an experienced embryologist with a background in laboratory leadership, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journey through scientific excellence, precision, and compassionate care. My work is grounded in a deep respect for the life-changing significance of assisted reproductive technologies and the trust patients place in our team.

Prior to focusing exclusively on embryology, I served as a laboratory manager, where I oversaw quality control, regulatory compliance, workflow optimization, and team development. This leadership experience strengthened my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory practice, ensuring both clinical excellence and a safe, efficient environment for patients and staff.

In my role as an embryologist, I specialize in all aspects of IVF laboratory procedures, including gamete handling, fertilization techniques, embryo culture, and cryopreservation. I am passionate about continuous improvement, staying current with emerging technologies and evidence-based practices to optimize outcomes.

What motivates me most is knowing that behind every embryo is a hopeful story. I approach my work with both meticulous attention to detail and genuine empathy, understanding the emotional journey that accompanies fertility treatment. It is an honor to contribute to such an important chapter in our patients’ lives.  Behind every sample and every embryo is a deeply personal story, and I am honored to help families grow.